Worcester-based affordable housing, care and development business Sanctuary Group has appointed Donna Williams as Director – Sustainability and Climate Change to lead the way in reducing the housing provider’s environmental impact.
Donna has been with Sanctuary since 2010, working in a number of senior roles across the organisation. The move will see Donna focusing on how Sanctuary can proactively address the challenges posed by climate change and become a net zero organisation by 2050.
To highlight the key areas of environmental focus, Sanctuary has published an Environment Strategy, which Donna has played a key part in implementing.
She is an active representative for the Greener Futures Partnership - a collaboration between Sanctuary and four other housing associations who are working together to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and share best practice across the sector.
Additionally, Donna and her sustainability team are working with University of Worcester, Platform Housing Group and Loreus Ltd on an innovative project called EcoHousing, to reduce Sanctuary’s carbon footprint and embed sustainability.
Speaking on her appointment, Donna said: "As a society, there has never been a time where we have been more aware of the impact we have on the environment, and I’m thrilled to have been appointed to this role at this exciting time.
"As the UK government moves to achieve its target of reaching net zero carbon by 2050, a range of regulation will have an impact on the way Sanctuary operates and I am determined to see us succeed in making changes.
"From requirements to bring all of our homes to a minimum of an EPC band C by 2030, to the ban on gas heating systems in new build homes from 2025, we are looking to get ahead of these changes, have more of a positive impact on the society we live in and enjoy a greener and more sustainable future."